Honoring Heritage: Stunning Mosaic Unveiled in Sun Village

The new artwork celebrates African American heritage, resilience, and the efforts of The Civic Women’s Club in shaping the high desert community in the Antelope Valley.

2 minute read

November 25, 2024, 9:00 AM PST

By Clement Lau


The Light of Many Suns mural at Jackie Robinson Park in Sun Village, Los Angeles County, California.

April Banks, Clockshop / The Light of Many Suns

Under a clear fall sky, the Sun Village community gathered at Jackie Robinson Park to celebrate the unveiling of The Light of Many Suns, a breathtaking 44-foot-wide and 11-foot-tall tile mosaic honoring the area's rich African American heritage. Designed by artist April Banks in collaboration with Clockshop, Kounkey Design Initiative, and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the mural celebrates the history and achievements of Sun Village through vibrant imagery inspired by oral histories and community archives. The mosaic was created with substantial input from local residents, ensuring that it reflects their stories and values.

The unveiling ceremony brought together community members of all ages, from children to elders, along with leaders such as Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Aaron Bolden, grandson of baseball icon Jackie Robinson, for whom the park is named. Supervisor Barger emphasized the mural’s significance, calling it a meaningful tribute to Sun Village’s legacy and a source of beauty, education, and inspiration for generations to come. Smaller mosaic medallions integrated into the mural further depict key events and figures in the community’s history.

Sun Village’s story is one of resilience and determination, dating back to the mid-20th century when African American families established the community in the high desert to escape discriminatory housing practices. Led by The Civic Women’s Club of Sun Village, residents built the town’s infrastructure, including Jackie Robinson Park, which became a vital hub for the thriving community. The new mural celebrates not only Jackie Robinson’s legacy but also the extraordinary efforts of the women and families who made Sun Village a beacon of progress and inclusion.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in The Los Angeles Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City